How to distinguish real from FAKE monks

Insight Myanmar (from Burma); Honest Guide; Ellie Askew, Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

The horrifying attack on Rangoon (Yangon), Burma, last night was led by children and criminals injected with morphine then given weapons, poison, and fuel.

But also included in this attack were FAKE monks, who were likely men shaven and given robes, who could more easily escape detection when entering neighborhoods. 

Buddhist monks are highly revered in Burmese society, as they are required to follow a Monastic Disciplinary Code of 227 precepts. They are thereby deserving of deference and respect.

The social contract between monastic and lay society was set down 2,600 years ago by the historical Buddha, with monks and nuns providing spiritual guidance to lay people and in return, receiving sustenance (alms) and basic necessities (five requisites) in return.

I'm a real monk from Pa Auk, Burma

This was a brilliant method for Buddhist teachings to be passed down and preserved for generations, as the spiritual aspirants could by its very design never be very far from lay society.

So also, merely by wearing saffron robes, it was an immediate sign to all others, even strangers who had never met, that one was committed to following the monastic discipline of the Buddha and therefore worthy of respect and support. 

Therefore, by placing imposters in Buddhist robes, the harm extends far more than the physical danger posed that night.

InsightMyanmar.org Podcast

There is an added element of spiritual harm, as it damages the immediate respect and reverence that lay followers would normally feel when encountering monastics. This damage is already being seen.

Being shared among Burmese now across social media is a list of five points, prepared by “real” monks, a list that indicates how lay people can differentiate between the actual aspirants and the FAKES. Translated, it reads as follows:

• NYC Buddhist leaders warn of 'fake monks' asking tourists for cash to help build temples (ABC7 New York)

(SCMP/Mary Jean Reimer) Fake monk caught red handed in London

How to spot the difference

1. Real Burmese monks wear their robes properly, and they often go together in groups. Fake monks do NOT know how to properly wear robes, and they are often on their own.

2. Most real monks have an official monk ID card, but the fake monks don’t. 

3. A real monk can give a Dharma discourse and recite, chant, or explain sutras, but a fake monk cannot. 

4. The color of the head and face are similar for real monks due to frequent shaving, but these colors on a fake monk will be different. 

5. The right shoulder of a real monk is darker than the left one, because the left shoulder is covered by his robe most of the time. A fake monk’s shoulders will be the same color.